Envision Raises $322K at annual Gala; Charitable Patrons From Throughout The Country Give Generously Toward Programs Benefiting Those Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired

November 24, 2015

Wichita, Kan. – At its eighth annual “Evening with Envision” Gala held at the Hyatt Regency Wichita on October 23, Envision raised more than $322K in support of its mission to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration for the blind and visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research.

The 1920s-themed “Speakeasy Soiree” attracted supporters from throughout the country, many decked out in period-appropriate attire, to mingle with members of Envision’s Foundation Board of Directors, Envision, Inc. Board members, staff and invited VIPs. Attendees enjoyed an evening of fine dining and cocktails while viewing videos and hearing first-hand accounts of how their donations make a difference in the lives of so many affected by vision loss. Local broadcast personality Brett Harris, who co-hosts the morning show on the Envision-owned local radio station KKGQ-FM (Q92), served as the evening’s emcee. Presenting sponsors included CPA firm BKD LLP, Wells Fargo Advisors, and marketing agency Ntara Interactive.

The evening’s proceeds will support a multitude of ongoing programs and services that Envision offers, including: research into ways to better confront the challenges associated with blindness and low vision; education of the medical and academic professionals dedicated to helping those facing such challenges; rehabilitation and training to better enable those who are blind and visually impaired capitalize on the latest advances; and a host of programs designed to give those who are blind and visually impaired the skills and experiences they need to live the most fulfilling lives possible. Envision regularly offers activities including support groups for teens through seniors, art and music programs for all ages, golf and other athletic programs, a homework club, Assistive Technology (AT) camps where middle school and high school students receive the equipment and training they need to remain academically and vocationally competitive, a child development center pairing blind and visually impaired children with typically sighted peers, and much more.
“We are thrilled – and incredibly grateful – to have witnessed such an outpouring of support from throughout our community and across the country,” said Heather Hogan, senior vice president of Envision Foundation & Mission Services. “Without the proceeds from our annual gala, we couldn’t provide the range of programs and services to the numbers of people we serve. It is humbling to see such extensive support for all we do and exciting to think of all the ways we will be able to make an impact in the coming year thanks to our supporters.”

The annual “Evening With Envision” gala is one of the main programs through which Envision amasses the funds and materials needed to carry out its mission. Other sources include an annual golf tournament held each spring, proceeds from the operation of its radio station and businesses in the manufacturing, retail and printing categories, and the ongoing support of donors. To contribute or to learn more about how to support Envision’s mission, please contact Director of Development,Lisa Capps at lisa.capps@envisionus.com or (316) 440-1526.